Where Did the Word Breadline Come from?

Originally therefore, bread line denoted the queue of needy men waiting to be given bread outside Fleischmann's Vienna Model Bakery, on the corner of Broadway and 10th Street, New York City.

Why is it called breadline?

The Origin - Where does 'Living on the Breadline' Come From? The 'breadline' was literally a queue for free food handed out by the US government in the 1820s. Living 'in' the breadline evolved to 'on' or 'below' as it became a term to describe living in borderline poverty, especially in the UK.

What is the meaning breadline?

: a line of people waiting to receive free food.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.